The Beat April 2025 Have you ever overshared? You're not alone. Image Credit: Julien Tell Have you ever wondered: Should I share this story? Who can I trust? Is now the right time? In my work, I’ve observed that the digital era's emphasis on going "viral" can cloud our storytelling judgment. We might feel pressured to post immediately, or silenced by indecision, both of which can lead to negative consequences. I believe all stories are worthy, but some audiences haven't earned the right to...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
The Beat March 2025 Are You a Noble Winner? Rosa Parks, June 19th, 1968. Image Credit: Unseen Histories Our current President has a history of calling people losers. It's part of his rhetoric. "I never want to be called a loser," Trump said in 2019 before denying he lost the 2020 election. You may be uncomfortable with the terms "winner" and "loser." I know I am. However, this month, I read an essay that deepened my understanding. I'm excited to share it with you. Find more in Spotlight,...
3 months ago • 3 min read
The Beat February 2025 The Chicken Sh*t Chair salvaging The family tree - featuring laura ratke Image Credit: Shelby Pollard I have a soft spot for objects with a story—and a great name. That’s why Laura’s tale of her Chicken Sh*t Chair immediately caught my eye. This month, you’ll learn how an old wooden chair earned its colorful name and became a symbol of love, legacy, and, yes, a few chickens. It’s a sweet, unexpected story that just might bring a little extra joy to your day (I know I...
4 months ago • 3 min read
The Beat January 2025 The Stories We Carry What Happens When We Finally Face the Stories We’ve Been Telling Ourselves View on the web → Hello and Happy 2025! You'll notice my monthly newsletter looks different. We’re starting the New Year by exploring stories through the lens of physical objects. I believe meaningful things connect us to ourselves, each other, and our histories. This week, I’m sharing the story of an item that served as a vessel for pain and healing. When Gabrielle was a...
5 months ago • 3 min read
THE BEAT December 20, 2024 FEATURING Roland Allen This month, I chatted with Roland Allen, author of The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper, about the psychological, historical, and even philosophical power of the blank page. Read his interview here. Explore the Power of the Notebook A New Year, A Blank Page: The Timeless Power of the Notebook As 2025 approaches, many of us are reflecting on what we want for the new year. In this intention-setting process, it’s easy to get swept up in...
6 months ago • 2 min read
THE BEAT November 26, 2024 FEATURING Ellen Atlanta, Author of Pixel Flesh. This month, I had an eye-opening conversation with Ellen Atlanta, author of Pixel Flesh, about the concept of aesthetic labor. Explore Aesthetic Labor Beauty at Work: The Unseen Demands of Aesthetic Labor This month, I spoke with Ellen Atlanta, author of Pixel Flesh, about the growing expectation for women to contribute their image as part of their professional roles—blurring the lines between personal identity and...
7 months ago • 2 min read
THE BEAT October 30, 2024 Spiritual Courage FEATURING New York Times Bestselling Author, Memoirist, and Award-Winning Podcaster Carvell Wallace Your Monthly Permission Slip: Embrace Spiritual Courage This month, you have full permission to make a piece of art and let others experience it. It doesn't matter how large or small the audience. You can make something and share it. But it may take some spiritual courage. Join me and draw inspiration from Carvell Wallace, author of Another Word for...
8 months ago • 1 min read
THE BEAT September 24, 2024 Small Acts of Rebellion FEATURING Hmong American Teacher, Speaker, and Writer Kao Kalia Yang Your Monthly Permission Slip: Embrace Little Acts of Rebellion You have full permission to embrace quiet acts of rebellion. These aren’t the loud, flashy protests. (Although those are often valuable.) I'm talking about the small, brave decisions that — little by little — help you reclaim your voice, your space, and your power. Join me! What Does Rebellion Look Like in Your...
9 months ago • 2 min read
THE BEAT August 31, 2024 The Anti-Girl Boss Hero FEATURING Writer/EditorJennifer Romolini Your Monthly Permission Slip: Make Peace With Your Ambition This month, you have full permission to rethink ambition. Not the type of ambition that drains you or forces you to compromise yourself to fit in. Ambition that fuels you, aligns with your values, and lets you define success for yourself. You'll discover insights from writer-editor Jennifer Romolini, author of Ambition Monster. Check out this...
10 months ago • 2 min read